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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Range Report: Ruger 22/45 RP

Alright, I couldn't stand it any longer. I saw Bob S.'s range report over at 3 Boxes of BS regarding his first shoot with his new Sig, and I had to respond. The new Ruger has been sitting on my desk for almost two weeks now...well, 10 days really, burning a hole in the box, taunting me and generally making it difficult for me to focus. That, and the piece of poo DSL connection AT&T seems to think is acceptable. But, I digress.

So, naturally, I had to go shoot something.

Fortunately, there is an indoor range very close to Castle Erickson with reasonable rates and decent hours. After fixing The Queen a bite of dinner, I was off like a shot to shoot my new toy. Yes, I meant to say it that way. No, I don't care if you rolled your eyes.

The Ruger's owner's manual says that the target models (of which the 22/45 RP is one apparently) are bore sighted at the factory. Not to be skeptical or anything, I had to see just how true this was. So, I rolled the target carrier out to 3 yards for the first shot, loaded one round in the magazine, dropped to bolt carrier release and took careful aim with a firm two handed grip.

I think the results speak for themselves. First shot out of the box hitting high center bull just can't be argued with in my book. Especially when I can't honestly say that I wasn't holding just a tad high to begin with...and I was to impatient to wait for the target carrier to stop swinging...and I might not have paid as much attention to trigger control as I might otherwise have...you get the picture. Needless to say, I was very pleased with the gun's set up.

Next up, I rolled the target carrier out to 10 yards and continued firing.

That there is about 40 rounds in the black at 10 yards from someone who is out of practice with one called flyer when I was fartin' around with some quick double taps. Definitely some trigger jerking to overcome. I dry fired the pistol several times before going to the range, and I have to admit that I had a hard time finding the right spot for my finger on the trigger. I need to experiment some more, but I am about 90% sure that finger placement in the middle of the meat of the index finger pad is the way to go for this pistol.

For the last few mags, I rolled the carrier out to 15 yards.

The rounds to the far right were aimed at the "1" on the right when I was testing different brands of ammo. Obviously, the pattern opened up a bit at 15 yards. I was also getting a tad tired at this point, the range was going to close any minute, and I had to get to the store for groceries. Still, most are in the black. And I won't complain about that..

Bottomline, the Ruger functioned flawlessly. I had one dud round out of about 130 fired. It was a Remington Gold Tip from a bulk pack that I bought several years ago. That particular box has given me at least 5 duds that I recall. So, I am confident it was no fault of the Ruger's.

GunDiva, yes, it is okay to change targets occasionally. This just wasn't one of them. Next time. I promise.

I've been trying to remember to take my camera with me a lot more these days...not just to the range. You never know when you are going to get a photo that no one will believe. Like a first shot out of the box bullseye.

I have been lucky enough to get a Browning Buckmark for a gift, otherwise I would be looking at the Ruger.

Looks like you can put lead downrange where you want it - might have to reconsider that range trip, wouldn't want to be out shot on my own range :)

Great shooting and points about getting tired after so many rounds. I tend to shoot .22s first for that reason before I work on any other firearm. Want to learn to shoot under less then optimal conditions with what I carry.

Bob, thanks. I had a Browning Buckmark once upon a time. I enjoyed it; but, I have to be honest and say that I think the Ruger is a better pistol. That's not to take anything away from the Browning. It's a good gun too. Personal preference perhaps.

Mr. Daddy, It'll get better with practice. I'm toying with the idea of building a hidden, 10 yard range/bunker in my backyard shop (a 40 x 40 metal building) so's that I can practice any time. Shouldn't bother the neighbors as there is plenty of insulation in the shop.

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About Daddy Hawk

Husband, father, full time insurance claims professional, and part time gun nut. I am just your typical, middle class, WASP male contemplating the joys of middle age. Like any 12 year old boy stuck in a man's body, I love anything that goes fast, makes a loud noise or does both at the same time.